The night skies of Montana can be so clear and mesmerizing that you just want to lay back and take it in. You don't have to be an astronomer to enjoy the quiet tranquility as you observe all the celestial objects like stars, constellations, planets, the moon, meteors, and the Milky Way. On the rare occasions you can even see an eclipse, meteor showers or the Northern Lights. Watch the weather forecast and choose a night with clear skies, a location with low light pollution and an open vantage point of the horizon free from trees, buildings and other tall obstacles, then kick back and embrace the beauty of the night.
Stargazers from near and far can take part in enjoying the dark skies throughout the Central Montana region. These areas have been designated for this activity due to access, low light pollution, and an open area for viewing.
Milky Way
Stars and planets are only the beginning of what you’ll find in the dark skies of Central Montana. The Milky Way season goes from late February to early October. During the clearest of nights, reach into the depths of our galaxy and immerse yourself in the swirling bands that make up our home galaxy. Only visible by 20% of the population from their backyard, seeing the Milky Way is one of those out-of-this-world experiences that only the darkest skies in the country can offer. Lucky for us, Montana is full of dark nights!
Northern Lights
When you travel as far North as Central Montana, rare phenomenon simply become nighttime adventures. Though not an everyday occurrence, with a lot of planning and a little luck, the magnificent green lights of the Aurora Borealis can be seen dancing across the night sky at many Central Montana locations. When planning your trip, look to visit Central Montana in the winter or early spring – when nights are darker and a new moon is on the horizon.
